DARTMOUTH, Nova Scotia — September 15, 2026: A 43-year-old Halifax man has been arrested after police linked him to a series of break-ins reported at businesses across downtown Dartmouth over a period of less than three weeks.
Halifax Regional Police said officers received nine reports of break-and-enters at downtown Dartmouth businesses between August 26 and September 12. Several of the incidents involved damage to storefronts and broken glass doors, leaving local business owners concerned about security.
Police arrested Mark Graves, 43, without incident at about 9:10 p.m. on September 13. He was scheduled to appear in Dartmouth provincial court facing three break-and-enter charges, one charge of mischief and three charges of breaching a probation order. Police said their investigations remain active and that additional charges are expected.
The arrests have brought some relief to businesses in the downtown area, although the recent incidents have highlighted concerns about the impact of property crime on small, independently operated establishments.
The Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission has called for continued police attention in the area, saying a stronger police presence could help prevent further incidents.
Among the businesses affected was North Brewing Company, whose bottle shop operates inside Battery Park Beer Bar and Eatery on Ochterloney Street. The company said its location was broken into at about 2 a.m. Sunday.
North Brewing said its point-of-sale equipment and cash till were stolen. The company also said employees were safe but described the incident as another sign of growing concerns about safety in the downtown community.
For business owners, the consequences extend beyond the value of stolen equipment. Repairs, replacement of damaged doors and lost operating time can add significant costs, particularly for smaller businesses already dealing with higher expenses.
Police have not released details linking the suspect to all nine incidents, and the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities said further charges are anticipated as investigators continue examining the reported break-ins.